Karachi needs monsoon-ready urban governance
Multiple weather forecasts suggest that Pakistan and Karachi may yet see an abnormal monsoon season this year, with experts predicting even worse flooding than the 2022 deluge that affected thousands…
Pakistan’s housing crisis needs innovation
Pakistan's explosive population growth over the past five decades presents a pressing non-traditional national security concern. With ripple effects on water, food, and energy security, this demographic surge threatens social…
The economy needs a reset
The government is all primed to sign a new IMF deal and celebrate more debt. Yet, it needs to reflect why we are in an endless loop of near default…
Looking after the needs
Needs come first followed by import substitution and then exports to earn foreign exchange. The basics like food, clothing and shelter (Roti, Kapra, Makan) must be covered for sustenance. Policy…
Redefining urban spaces
When Yaqub was ten years old, he shared a two-room house with his family of six. With limited space at home, much of his time was spent on the streets.…
Budget tightens the screws on urban middle class
The FY25 budget has been passed, potentially securing next programme from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and unlocking up to $7.5 billion in external flows. While this is a rare…
Pakistan needs a new political party
For the first time ever, many of us are not just apprehensive but frightened about the future of Pakistan. Daily survival is getting harder and harder for our people, our…
Dangers of urban flooding
Pakistan is among the most affected countries by climate change. The irony of the situation is that while the industrialised world reaps the benefits of industrialisation we pick up the…
‘Urban mining’ offers green solution to old solar panels
As the world pivots from planet-warming fossil fuels to renewable energy, a new pollution problem is rearing its head: What to do with old or worn-out solar panels? Thousands of…
What is Pakistan’s urban future?
The 2024 general election was unique in the sense that the manifestos of the major political parties (PML-N, PPP and PTI) recognized the importance of urban planning for promoting sustainable…
